‘Morcha’ veterans accustomed to tear gas should brace for ‘pepper’ that has a singeing effect on skin, eyes and airways, and is harder to wash off with water. Although police say this is part of their shift to a non-lethal armoury for crowd. Delhi Police has floated a global tender to buy pepper ball launchers and their projectiles for a trial. Sources say, of the six trial launchers, most will be given to New Delhi district and at least two to the central district.
Police have long been accused of using force to disperse protesters, often causing serious injuries. Now, amid talk of transforming into a world-class force, they will need to gradually give up using weapons that can cause impact injury. The pepper guns are modified paint ball guns or pump action shotguns using shots that spray pepper particles on impact, causing a burning sensation on skin and eyes.
Senior officers tried out the guns at the police headquarters recently. “It seems an effective technique to stop violent protesters or rioters since their attention shifts to the burning sensation,” said an officer. The guns will also help in flushing out armed suspects from hideouts. An officer said the guns are practically soundless, so they will be useful in carrying out surprise raids.
Pepper guns will work out cheaper than electroshock weapons like Taser since they can be procured or produced locally, if needed. The guns cost between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh each but the department may be able to get a better deal. They are expected to be available in about a month. Police might also buy soft ball rounds and flexible batons to prevent long-term trauma during riot control.
